Hinge support, especially for a bridge

ABSTRACT

A support for the framework which supplies the base for a roadway for a bridge or the like, and a method of installing, in which the support includes a tie beam extending transversely beneath the framework and includes connectors to connect the beam and framework together. A column is pivotally connected to the beam at each end so the beam can be rotated about the longitudinal axis thereof whereby the beam can support an inclined roadway while the columns extend vertically downwardly to the ground. The point of connection of the beam to each column is adjustable along the columns and will also permit the columns and beam to tilt relatively in the common plane thereof. Each column has a base member on the bottom which may be tiltable on the respective column. The pivotal connection of the columns to each end of the beam permit the practice of a method of installing in which the beam and columns are moved longitudinally beneath the framework with the columns generally horizontal to the plane of use of the beam whereupon the colunmns are pivoted downwardly on the ends of the beam to place the lower ends of the columns on the ground and the beam is then adjusted upwardly on the columns into load bearing engagement with the underneath side of the framework. Installation carriages moveable along the top of the framework support the tie beams and columns during installation.

Busch et a1.

June 3, 1975 1 1 HINGE SUPPORT, ESPECIALLY FOR A BRIDGE [75] Inventors: Johannes Busch; Herbert Rtiser;

Hugo Sedlacek, all of Rheinhausen, Germany [73] Assignee: Fried. Krupp Gesellschaft mit beschrankter I-Iaftung, Essen, Germany [22] Filed: Dec. 27, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 428,870

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Jan. 8, 1973 Germany 2300673 [52] US. Cl. 14/14 [51] Int. Cl E01d 19/00 [58] Field of Search 14/14, 75, 71; 61/46.5, 61/45 D [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,358,951 11/1920 Helmich 14/71 X 2,398,351 4/1946 Baker 61/46.5 2,658,353 11/1953 Trexel 6l/46.5 2,863,293 12/1958 Plumer r 61/46.5 2,881,590 4/1959 Zaskey 6l/46.5 2,997,852 8/1961 Suderow... 61/46.5 3,434,292 3/1969 Heyer 61/45 D 3,494,135 2/1970 Von Hippel 61/45 D 3,750,210 8/1973 Barnard 14/75 Canada 14/75 Primary Examiner-Nile C. Byers, Jr. Attorney, Agent, or FirmWalter Becker 1571 ABSTRACT A support for the framework which supplies the base for a roadway for a bridge or the like, and a method of installing, in which the support includes a tie beam extending transversely beneath the framework and includes connectors to connect the beam and framework together. A column is pivotally connected to the beam at each end so the beam can be rotated about the longitudinal axis thereof whereby the beam can support an inclined roadway while the columns extend vertically downwardly to the ground. The point of connection of the beam to each column is adjustable along the columns and will also permit the columns and beam to tilt relatively in the common plane thereof. Each column has a base member on the bottom which may be tiltable on the respective column. The pivotal connection of the columns to each end of the beam permit the practice of a method of installing in which the beam and columns are moved longitudinally beneath the framework with the columns generally horizontal to the plane of use of the beam whereupon the colunmns are pivoted downwardly on the ends of the beam to place the lower ends of the columns on the ground and the beam is then adjusted upwardly on the columns into load bearing engagement with the underneath side of the framework. Installation carriages moveable along the top of the framework support the tie beams and columns during installation.

15 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures SHEET PATENTEDJUHB m FIG. 2

HINGE SUPPORT, ESPECIALLY FOR A BRIDGE One or more legged hinge supports are known which are arranged either as individual supports below bridge main girders or are pivotally connected thereto or in the form of a disc or a frame are in joints connected to the supporting framework for the roadway over the bridge and the beams. Such hinge supports are usually for permanent structures built individually. However, it is also known, for instance for foldable bridges, so to compose the hinge supports of expansion framework by elements withdrawn from stock, that different support heights are obtained. Furthermore a two-legged support has become known which can be stepped according to height and by means of a transverse frame is connected to the supporting framework for the roadway over the bridge and is clamped in at its head.

In contrast thereto, it is an object of the present invention so to design hinge supports, especially for bridges that they can be produced practically independently of the contour and the property of the ground at various points below the framework to be supported.

It is another object of this invention so to design the hinge supports that it will be possible even after a bridge has been finally installed later to relieve such bridge by hinge supports provided between two previously built supports or pillars, and to connect the supporting framework at any desired drop of the roadway reliably to connect to the hinge supports.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will appear more clearly from the following specification in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of the hinge support while looking in the longitudinal direction of the bridge, and illustrates a transverse section through the supporting framework for the roadway over the bridge.

FIG. 2 represents a section along the line IIII of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3 and 4 respectively illustrate parts of FIGS. 1 and 2 but on a larger scale than FIGS. 1 and 2.

FIG. 5 is a transverse section taken along the line V-V of FIG. 6 and illustrates a connecting device.

FIG. 6 is a top view of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a prospective view of a length of pipe for forming a post.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of said length of pipe.

FIG. 9 is a top view of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 shows a section taken along the line X X of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a section taken along the line XI-Xl of FIG. 10 on a larger scale and shows a corresponding axial section through a portion of a length of pipe therebelow prior to the establishment of a bayonet joint.

FIG. 12 shows the same parts as in FIG. 11 but after the bayonet joint has been established.

FIG. 13 is a section taken along the line XIIIXIII of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a transverse section through the supporting framework for a roadway over the bridge with an assembly carriage and with a hinge support suspended thereon, and major portion of FIG. 14 being shown with a cross section through the posts.

FIG. 15 is a transverse section through the same supporting framework for the roadway over the bridge with a drag carriage shown in view and with posts suspended thereon in cross section.

FIG. 16 is a side view of the assembly carriage and the drag carriage with the hinge support suspended thereon.

FIG. 17 shows a cross section through the same carriages and more specifically through the cantilevers extending therefrom.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of a support composed of two hinge supports.

The hinge support according to the invention, especially for a bridge is characterized primarily in that at the ends of a tie beam which serves as support for a supporting framework, especially for a framework for a roadway over the bridge, two tie beam heads are so arranged that they can be turned about a longitudinal axis of the tie beam independently of each other and that bending moments can be transferred between said tie beam heads and the tie beam. The hinge support according to the invention is furthermore characterized in that guiding members are journaled on the tie beam heads in joints with axes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam. These guiding members are guided on two posts and can be adjusted in the direction of height.

An arrangement according to the present invention has the advantage that the hinge supports can adjust themselves relative to the latch for adaptation to the ground conditions in any desired direction and that by combining two hinge supports, also a horse-like support can be built up which is adapted to absorb longitudinal and transverse forces.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, the tie beam illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 is composed of two sections in the form of sheet metal boxes 2 having rectangular cross section. These boxes 2 are at the lower chord connected to each other by joints 3 with an axis extending transverse to the longitudinal axis of the beam while resting at the upper chord through the intervention of plates 4 which are connected to each other by bolts. Those end faces of the sheet metal boxes 2 which face away from each other are provided with plate discs 5 which project in the manner of a flange.

Mounted on the two end faces of the tie beam 1 are tie beam heads 6 which by means of the frame 7 engage the discs 5 and by means of pivots 8 are so centered that they are able to turn relative to the tie beam about the center lines 9 of discs 5. The pivots 8 are arranged coaxially with regard to the discs 5 in the sheet metal boxes 2 and engage bars of the tie beam heads 6. Furthermore, on the frame 7 there are provided two pairs ofjaws 10 which extend over the rim of the discs 5 and thus create a bend resistant connection between the tie beam 1 and the tie beam heads 6. The heads 6 may be arrested in various rotary positions relative to the tie beam 1, and which can be effected by means of bolts 11 which can be introduced into bars of the discs 5 and of the frame 7.

Each head 6 has a U-shaped profile, the U-shaped opening of which faces away from the frame 7. In the space between the thus formed cheeks or jaws 12 of the tie beam body there is arranged a pipe clamp or guide member 13 by means of two pivots 14 which extend through bars in the cheeks orjaws 12. The arrangement is such that the pipe clamp 13 is adapted to carry out oscillating movements relative to the tie beam head 6 about an axis which extends transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam 1.

Each pipe clamp 13 is slidably guided on a cylindrical post 16 and by means of a non-illustrated clamping device can be arrested in any desired position relative to the post.

Each post 16 may be composed of length of pipes which have the same cross sectional dimensions and the same bayonet connecting means and therefore are changeable but from only a few groups of lengths of pipe of different lengths for instance of 2.5 meters, 1.25 meters, and 0.625 meters. The posts 16 of the hinge support illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 are each composed of two long lengths of pipe 17, 18 and one shorter upper length of pipe 19 on which is mounted a post head 20 with the same cross sectional dimensions.

Each length of pipe has at one end face a collar 21. The outer diameter a" is less than the outer diameter of the length of pipe. Each length of pipe has a ring of bayonet jaws 22 arranged over the circumference. These jaws 22 are shaped from an annular end face 23 of the length of pipe 18 by an axial distance a which equals half the height of the collar 21.

At the oppositely located end face of the length of pipe 18, the latter is provided with a bar 24, the diameter d of which (FIGS. 6 and 8) is greater by a slight play than the diameter d (FIG. 7) of the circumferential surfaces of the bayonet jaws 22. Within the bar 24 on the rim of the length of pipe 18 and directly adjacent to the end face 25 there are provided bayonet jaws 26 in the same arrangement and with the same dimensions as the bayonet jaws 22. The diameter d of the inner circumferential surfaces is by a slight play greater than the outer diameter d of the collar 21. The gaps between each two bayonet jaws 22 and 26 respectively are of such magnitude that the counter bayonet jaws can pass therethrough in axial direction. For instance, six bayonet jaws each are provided which are designated 22 and 26.

From radial bars of the collar 21 project three abutment pins 27 which are arranged below the end faces of the jaws 22.

When two lengths of pipes are to be connected so as to be flush with each other, an upper length of pipe 18 is so placed upon a lower one 17 that the bayonet jaws 22 of the lower length of pipe 17 extends through the gaps between the bayonet jaws 26 of the upper length of pipe and its lower end face 25 rests upon the upper end face 23 of the lower length of pipe. Therebeyond either the lower length of pipe 17 is turned in counterclockwise direction, or the upper length of pipe 18 is turned in a clockwise direction. During this operation, the bayonet jaws 22 move over the bayonet jaws 26 while the rotary direction of movement will be limited by the fact that the abutment beams 27 rest against the bayonet jaws 26. A turning back of the length of pipe from the lock positiin is prevented by the latching device illustrated in FIGS. 9-11.

In the interior of each length of pipe there is provided a bolt 29 which is displaceably guided. More specifically, the bolt 29 is displaceably guided in a bar of the block 28 which is welded to the wall of the length of pipe above the bayonet jaws 26, said bar being parallel to the axis of the length of pipe. A pin 30 passed through a transverse bar of the bolt 29 protrudes on both sides into slots 31 which extend parallel to the dis placing direction and extends through a slot 32 of the wall of the length of pipe into a recess 33 located on the outside of the wall. The lower end of the bolt 29 which protrudes from the block 28 carries a latching body 34 with the profile of an angle. Between this body 34 and the block 28 there is provided a pressure spring 35.

FIG. 9 illustrates that an upper length of pipe 18 is located in vertically spaced relationship to and above the lower length of pipe 17 to be coupled thereto. The bolt 29 is from the outside lifted by means of pin 30 to such an extent that the latching body 34 does not prevent the entry of the bayonet jaws 22 of the lower length of pipe 17 into the gaps between the jaws 26 of the upper length of pipe 18. After the upper length of pipe 18 has been placed upon the lower length of pipe 17 and has been turned relative thereto in clockwise direction until the abutment pins 27 engage the respective bayonet jaws 26 while the bayonet jaws 22 catch over the bayonet jaws 26, the bolt 29 is released so that the spring 35 moves the latching body 34 downwardly into its latching position in which it prevents the length of pipes from turning relative to each other in loosening direction. The end faces 25 and 23 of the two lengths of pipe will under these circumstances be located adjacent to each other, and the cylindrical circumferential surfaces of the length of pipes 18, 17 will in a stepless manner merge with each other.

In the same manner, the post heads 20 are placed upon the uppermost length of pipes 19 of the post 16.

For purposes of moving the pipe clamps 13 with the tie beam heads 6 along the post 16 in upward direction and in downward direction, there are provided lifting devices which will now be described.

Each of these devices has a traverse 36 which rests on the post head 20 and projects on both sides beyond post 16 in the direction transverse to the tie beam head 6. Two threaded spindles 37 are passed through vertical bores of the traverses 36. These spindles are continued below the traverse 36 in the form of plates 38 which extend close to the outer surfaces of the cheeks or jaws 12 of the tie beam head 6. The plates 38 are provided with bores 39 arranged in spaced relationship one above the other, which bores may be engaged by the ends of the pivots 14, said ends projecting relative to the jaws 12. According to the illustration in FIGS. 1-4, the pivots 14 are for instance passed through the lowermost bores 39. For securing the respective position, there are provided collars 40 which are located at the ends of the pivots 14 and which are passed first through bores 41 which have a greater diameter than the bores 39 and toward the lower part merge therewith. When lowering the pivots 14 into the bores 39, the collars 40 catch behind the plates 38. The threaded spindles 37 rest upon the traverse 36 by means of nuts 42. Sleeves 43 provided with inner thread are screwed onto those parts of the threaded spindles 37 which project beyond the traverse 36. These sleeves 43 are at equally vertically spaced distances provided with annular grooves 44 and have hand wheels 45 arranged at their upper ends. The sleeves 43 are easily slidably passed through bores of a traverse 46 upon which from below the piston rod of a hydraulic press may act. The cylinder 47 of the hydraulic press is arranged on the traverse 36. On the top side of the traverse 46, slides 48 are slidably guided in such a way that they are able, with semicircular recesses. to enter the annular grooves 44.

FIGS. 1 and 3 indicate a supporting framework for a bridge roadway, which supporting framework comprises two track girders 49 of triangular profile and a series of hollow flat plates 50 which interconnect the track girders at the level of the roadway. The girders 49 have foot sections 41 by means of which they rest on the tie beam 1 and are detachably connected thereto by means of devices 52. It is a matter of course that hinge supports according to the present invention may also be employed for supporting other supporting frameworks. In this connection reference may be made for instance to FIGS. 14 and which illustrate a superstructure for a pneumatic boat bridge, said superstructure comprising boxes 53 arranged closely adjacent to each other with a wide flange and also comprising intermediate traverse beams 54.

Foot plates 56 are by means of ball joints 55 arranged at the lower ends of the posts 16. Instead, the posts may if the ground has a sufficient supporting ability also have their lower ends equipped with supports.

FIGS. 14-17 will explain how a hinge support of the above described type can be mounted below the supporting framework for the roadway of a bridge at a desired location.

An assembly carriage 57 with two pairs of rollers 58 is movably arranged on the margin portions of the roadway which latter is formed by the upper flanges of the boxes 53. This carriage 57 is laterally guided by means of rollers 59 which move along the outer rims of the upper flanges of the boxes. Frame 60 of the assembly carriage 57 comprises parts adjustable telescopically with regard to each other so that the frame 60 can be adapted to the respective width of the supporting framework for the bridge roadway. Two arms 61 project from the frame 60 on both sides beyond the intermediate transverse beams 54. From the ends of the arms 61, which ends are interconnected by transverse beams, there extend two pipes 62 in downward direction on which the tie beam 1 may be connected by means of eyes 63 (FIG. 3) and bolts close to the discs 5. ln conformity with the wide structure 53, 54, the tie beam 1 of FIG. 14 is over the design of FIG. 1 extended by having an intermediate box 64 inserted between the sheet metal boxes 2. The dimensions of the pipe 62 are so selected that the tie beam 1 hangs below the box 53 while being spaced therefrom by a distance which is greater than the height of the intermediate transverse beam 54.

The posts 16 of the hinge support are turned about the central lines 9 relative to the position shown for instance in FIG. 3, by approximately 100. Their foot ends are suspended on a follower carriage 65 which by means of rollers 66 rests upon the rim portions of the roadway. The frame of the carriage 65 likewise comprises parts which are telescopically displaceable relative to each other. From said frame 67, arms 68 project on both sides considerably beyond the intermediate transverse beam 54. Mounted on the ends of said beams 54 are pulleys 69 over which cables 70 of two winches pass downwardly, said winches being located on the frame 67. The cables 70 are connected to those ends of the posts 16 which carry the foot plates 56. Also on the frame 60 of the assembly carriage 57 there are arranged two cable winches 72 the cables of which pass over rollers 73 located at the ends of the arms 61. The said last mentioned cables may for purposes of lifting the tie beam 1 be connected thereto. The follower carriage is coupled to the mounting carriage 57 by means of two rods or bars 74 the length of which can be telescopically changed. The bars 74 are rigidly connected to the frame 67 of the follower carriage 65 for instance by means of a plurality of pintles or the like and are pivotally connected to the frame 60 of the mounting carriage 57 by means of a pair of eyes 75 each. However, also a rigid connection between the bars 74 and the frame 60 may be effected by passing the bars 74 through a second pair of eyes 76 on the frame 60 and effecting a connection therewith by cotter pins, pintles or the like.

The carriages 57 and 65 may instead of by means of rollers 58, 59 and 66 also ride on rails by means of wheels with a rim, said rails being mounted on the rim portions of the bridge roadway.

By means of the carriages 57 and 65, the hinge support is moved toward the installation place where it is mounted. To this end, the ends of the posts 16 which carry the foot plates 56 are lowered from the follower carriage 65 while the heads 6 turn about the axes 9.

Thereupon the lifting devices 36-47 are placed upon the upper ends of the posts 16, and the plates 38 are connected to the pivots 14. Subsequently, the posts 16 are lowered until the foot plates 56 rest on the floor. In this connection, suitable places for resting the foot plates 56 may be selected without having to worry that the posts will be vertical. It is rather possible that the posts due to the turnability of the tie beam heads 6 about the axes 9 are somewhat inclined in longitudinal direction of the bridge and that due to the turnability about the axes 15 the pivot 14 is somewhat inclined with regard to the bridge. It is furthermore not harmful when the supporting surfaces for the posts on both sides differ somewhat from each other. This can be compensated for by means of the lifting devices. Also the foot plates 56 adapt themselves automatically to different inclinations of the supporting surfaces due to the ball joints 55.

If in this way, the posts 16 have been erected on both sides, the tie beam 1 is lifted by actuating the lifting devices, 3647 until it engages the bottom side of the supporting framework 53 of the bridge roadway if desired under preload. When the hinge support 1, 16 has been mounted in this way below the supporting framework 53 for the bridge roadway, the beam heads 6 are arrested in their respective angular position relative to the tie beam 1. This is effected by means of the bolts 1] (FIG. 3). Furthermore, the supporting framework 53 for the bridge roadway is by means of the clamping device 52 connected to the tie beam 1.

The lifting of the tie beam heads 6 and of the pipe clamps 13 along the posts 16 is so effected that the spindles 37 will first be lifted by means of the hydraulic presses 47 through the intervention of the traverse 46 and the slides 48 engaging the grooves 44 of sleeves 43. Thereupon the likewise lifted nuts 42 are on the threaded spindles 35 screwed downwardly until they rest against the top side of the traverse 36. If one stroke of the hydraulic press should not be sufficient, the piston rod will after the first stroke be moved downwardly after the slides 48 have disengaged the grooves 44. The slides 48 are then inserted into their oppositely located grooves 44 after, if necessary. the sleeves 43 on the threaded spindles 37 have been suitable adjusted by means of the hand wheels 45. Subsequently, the

threaded spindles 37 can be lifted by a further stroke of the hydraulic press.

The connecting devices 52 are designed for instance in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. According to this design, a plate 77 is fastened to the top side of a sheet metal box 2 of the tie beam 1, said plate 77 supporting two protuberances 78. These protuberances 78 are followed by dogs 79 which are arranged in front of an edge of plate 77 and taper in upward direction. The supporting framework consists for instance of box shaped girders which by means of roler flanges 80 rest on the cover plate of the sheet metal box 2 while the outer edge of the lower flange 80 of the box girder rests against the dogs 79. Fixedly arranged on the flange 80 is a shear strip 81 with protrusions 82 projecting beyond the flange 80, said protrustions being arranged in a meander-like manner. This arrangement is such that each of the two dogs 79 fills in a gap between two protrusions 82. In this way a displacement of the supporting framework in the longitudinal direction of the bridge rail to the tie beam 1 will be prevented. Lifting of the supporting framework off the tie beam 1 is prevented by the yoke 83 which by means of two cheeks or jaws embrace the protuberances 78 therebetween and are pivotally mounted thereon by means of cotter pins or pintles 84. When the device occupies the positions illustrated in full lines in FIGS. 5 and 6, the yokes 83 extend beyond the protuberances 78 while webs 85 provided at their ends are located closely above the shear strip 81. In this position, the yokes 83 are by means of bolts 86 held relative to the dogs 78. The releasing position of the yokes 83 is indicated in FIG. 5 by dot-dash lines. A hinge support according to the invention is also suitable when the bridge roadway has a drop or inclination. In such an instance, the hinge support is mounted with such an inclination in the longitudinal direction of the bridge that the transverse side of the tie beam 1 has an inclination corresponding to the drop of the roadway. The adjustment as to height of the hinge support is roughly effected in such a way that the posts 16 are composed by different long lengths of pipe. Fine adjustment in the height of the tie beam 1 may be effected by means of lifting devices. It is also possible to post adjust the height of the tie beam for instance in view of settling of the ground.

The hinge supports are due to the above mentioned joint connections not able to absorb horizontal forces. If it is desired that they do absorb horizontal forces, it is possible, as illustrated in FIG. 18 to provide a fast support by combining two hinge supports to form a horse. in such an instance the two tie beams 1 of the two hinge supports are fixedly connected to each other while being located closely adjacent to each other. The four posts 16 of the two hinge supports are by a corresponding pivoting of the pipe clamps 16 about the pivots 14 so adjusted that at each end of the horse, the two posts are spread transverse to the bridge as well as in the longitudinal direction thereof. According to FIG. 18, the corresponding inclined positions of the posts are illustrated in a somewhat exaggerated manner in order to more clearly show the conditions.

For purposes of assembly, the hinge supports may instead of being suspended on the supporting framework 3 by means of the carriages 57, 65, also by means of vehicles below the supporting framework moved to the assembly areas. Thus, for instance, if bridges are involved which lead over water, the hinged supports may also be floated to the assembly area. In such an instance guiding members may be provided on the supporting framework in which guiding pins mounted on the tie beam may be threaded when lifting the tie beam, in such a way that the correct position of the hinge support relative to the supporting framework will be assured.

It is, of course, to be understood that the present invention is, by no means, limited to the specific showing in the drawing but also comprises any modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A support for a bridge which has a roadway framework, said support comprising:

two columns at each side of said framework;

a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, said tie beam being supported by said columns and supporting said framework which is fixed to said tie beam;

two head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation in such a manner that independently of one another they can freely rotate relative to said tie beam about an axis extending in the lateral direction of said framework, and means for arresting said head members in angular positions relative to said tie beam;

guide members guided along said columns;

adjusting means on each said column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting it upwards and downwards along the respective column;

each said guide member being pivoted to one of said head members so that it can freely swivel relative to the head member about an axis which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of said tie beam.

2. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, a disc on each end of the tie beam, jaws on each head engaging over the periphery of the adjacent disc, and a pivot pin extending longitudinally of the beam and pivotally connecting each head and the adjacent disc.

3. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof. guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, each guide member surrounding the respective column and being adapted to be clamped thereto, each head having jaws embracing the respective guide member, said pivot pins extending outwardly from said guide members through said jaws, said adjustable means engaging the outer ends of said pin elements.

4. A support according to claim 3 in which each column includes support means at the lower end.

5. A support according to claim 3 in which each column includes a base plate at the bottom, and a ball joint supporting each base plate on the respective column.

6. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, each adjustable means comprising a transverse bar on top of the respective column, spindles extending vertically through the ends of said bar and nuts on the spindles above said bar, and means connecting the lower ends of said spindles to the outer ends of said pivot pins.

7. A support according to claim 6 which includes a beam member above and parallel to each transverse bar, a fluid motor between the upper side of each bar and the respective beam member, said spindles extending upwardly through the ends of said beam member, annularly grooved sleeves on spindles, and members on the upper side of each beam member engageable with a groove in the pertaining sleeve.

8. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, said tie beam comprising two parts each having upper and lower chord chord members, at least one support member dependent from the upper chord member, and a pivot joint interconnecting the lower chord members to each other, and plates whereby said upper chord members support each other.

9. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, said framework having longitudinal strips which rest on said tie beam, each strip having notches in one edge, jaws on the tie beam receivable in said notches to prevent longitudinal movement of the tie beam on the framework, and clamp levers pivoted on said tie beam and adjustable into position to clamp said strips to said tie beam.

10. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, each column being formed of lengths of pipe in end to end relation, and cooperating elements of a bayonet latch on the opposed ends of adjacent lengths of pipe for interconnecting the lengths of pipe, said opposed ends of the lengths of pipe having opposed annular bearing areas which are in engagement when the respective elements of a bayonet latch are engaged.

11. A support according to claim 10 which includes latch means which engages when the bayonet latch is engaged to lock the bayonet latch in engaged position, and means operable from outside the column for disengaging said latch means.

12. A method of providing a framework forming a roadway for a bridge with support which comprises in combination; connecting the upper ends of columns to the ends of a tie beam which is wider than the framework, supporting the columns substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the framework, moving the tie beams and columns longitudinally of the framework to position the tie beams relative to the framework, rotating the columns to present the lower ends to the ground, and adjusting the tie beam along the columns to bring the tie beam into load transmitting relation with the underneath side of the framework.

13. The method in combination according to claim 12 which includes moveably mounting carriages on the framework at the sides thereof, and suspending said tie beam and columns from said carriages for movement of the tie beam and columns along said framework.

14. The method in combination according to claim 12 in which a pair of tie beams each with columns at the ends are placed in adjacent relation beneath the framework, and adjusting the adjacent columns in downwardly diverging relation whereby to provide support against movement of said tie beams in the lateral direction thereof.

15. A support for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising:

two pairs of columns, the columns of each pair being arranged at each side of said framework;

two tie beams extending between the columns of each said pair in the lateral direction of said framework, said tie beams being fixed one to another, being supported by said columns and supporting said framework which is fixed to said tie beams;

beam.

12 respective guide member for adjusting it upwards and downwards along the respective column; each said guide member being pivoted to one of said head members so that it can freely swivel relative to the head member about an axis which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of said tie 

1. A support for a bridge which has a roadway framework, said support comprising: two columns at each side of said framework; a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, said tie beam being supported by said columns and supporting said framework which is fixed to said tie beam; two head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation in such a manner that independently of one another they can freely rotate relative to said tie beam about an axis extending in the lateral direction of said framework, and means for arresting said head members in angular positions relative to said tie beam; guide members guided along said columns; adjusting means on each said column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting it upwards and downwards along the respective column; each said guide member being pivoted to one of said head members so that it can freely swivel relative to the head member about an axis which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of said tie beam. Pg,26
 1. A support for a bridge which has a roadway framework, said support comprising: two columns at each side of said framework; a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, said tie beam being supported by said columns and supporting said framework which is fixed to said tie beam; two head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation in such a manner that independently of one another they can freely rotate relative to said tie beam about an axis extending in the lateral direction of said framework, and means for arresting said head members in angular positions relative to said tie beam; guide members guided along said columns; adjusting means on each said column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting it upwards and downwards along the respective column; each said guide member being pivoted to one of said head members so that it can freely swivel relative to the head member about an axis which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of said tie beam. Pg,26
 2. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, a disc on each end of the tie beam, jaws on each head engaging over the periphery of the adjacent disc, and a pivot pin extending longitudinally of the beam and pivotally connecting each head and the adjacent disc.
 3. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, each guide member surrounding the respective column and being adapted to be clamped thereto, each head having jaws embracing the respective guide member, said pivot pins extending outwardly from said guide members through said jaws, said adjustable means engaging the outer ends of said pin elements.
 4. A support according to claim 3 in which each column includes support means at the lower end.
 5. A support according to claim 3 in which each column includes a base plate at the bottom, and a ball joint supporting each base plate on the respective column.
 6. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, each adjustable means comprising a transverse bar on top of the respective column, spindles extending vertically through the ends of said bar and nuts on the spindles above said bar, and means connecting the lower ends of said spindles to the outer ends of said pivot pins.
 7. A support according to claim 6 which includes a beam member above and parallel to each transverse bar, a fluid motor between the upper side of each bar and the respective beam member, said spindles extending upwardly through the ends of said beam member, annularly grooved sleeves on spindles, and members on the upper side of each beam member engageable with a groove in the pertaining sleeve.
 8. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the resPective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, said tie beam comprising two parts each having upper and lower chord chord members, at least one support member dependent from the upper chord member, and a pivot joint interconnecting the lower chord members to each other, and plates whereby said upper chord members support each other.
 9. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, said framework having longitudinal strips which rest on said tie beam, each strip having notches in one edge, jaws on the tie beam receivable in said notches to prevent longitudinal movement of the tie beam on the framework, and clamp levers pivoted on said tie beam and adjustable into position to clamp said strips to said tie beam.
 10. A hinged support, especially for a bridge which has a roadway forming framework, said support comprising: a column at each side of the framework, a tie beam extending between said columns in the lateral direction of said framework, head members engaging the ends of said tie beam in load transmitting relation while permitting rotation of the tie beam about the longitudinal axis thereof, guide members on said columns, adjustable means on each column engaging the respective guide member for adjusting the guide member vertically on the respective column, pivot pins extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the tie beam and connecting each said head to the respective guide member, each column being formed of lengths of pipe in end to end relation, and cooperating elements of a bayonet latch on the opposed ends of adjacent lengths of pipe for interconnecting the lengths of pipe, said opposed ends of the lengths of pipe having opposed annular bearing areas which are in engagement when the respective elements of a bayonet latch are engaged.
 11. A support according to claim 10 which includes latch means which engages when the bayonet latch is engaged to lock the bayonet latch in engaged position, and means operable from outside the column for disengaging said latch means.
 12. A method of providing a framework forming a roadway for a bridge with support which comprises in combination; connecting the upper ends of columns to the ends of a tie beam which is wider than the framework, supporting the columns substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the framework, moving the tie beams and columns longitudinally of the framework to position the tie beams relative to the framework, rotating the columns to present the lower ends to the ground, and adjusting the tie beam along the columns to bring the tie beam into load transmitting relation with the underneath side of the framework.
 13. The method in combination according to claim 12 which includes moveably mounting carriages on the framework at the sides thereof, and suspending said tie beam and columns from said carriages for movement of the tie beam and columns along said framework.
 14. The method in combination according to claim 12 in which a pair of tie beams each with columns at the ends are placed in adjacent relation beneath the framework, and adjusting the adjacent columns in downwardly diverging relation whereby to provide support against movement of said tie beams in the lateral direction thereof. 